Governor signs new restrictions on human trafficking

INDIANAPOLIS | Indiana sent a strong message Monday to anyone planning to procure underage prostitutes during Super Bowl festivities in Indianapolis: Don't try it here.

With legislators from both parties looking on, Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels signed into law Senate Enrolled Act 4, which makes it easier to prosecute human trafficking crimes and increases penalties for violations.

The new law took effect immediately and remains in effect after Sunday's Super Bowl. It prohibits the use of force or fraud to compel participation in sexual conduct and bars a parent or guardian from selling or transferring custody of a child for prostitution.

"We were determined to have as tough a law as we could," Daniels said.

This is the first law to be enacted by the 2012 General Assembly.